Month: July 2015

Over the past few weeks, I have done 3 different events. The first was the Norwich Lanes Fayre, which I wrote about last time. Despite the early rain, the day was quite successful. This put me in a positive frame of mind for the next 2 events.

Sadly, they were a washout – without a drop of rain in sight, so a metaphorical washout rather than an actual one! I think a case of right weather, right products and the wrong crowd! A real shame but on the plus side I did get to sit and spend “quality time” (hate that phrase!) with my lovely Mum, so not all bad! Despite her only living about 20 minutes away, we don’t see a lot of each other as both have busy lives.

So, we’ve come to the conclusion that the Lanes Fayre is a go, but that school things and fun days are not. We will do Christmas ones but that’s about it. I need to concentrate now on the online shop and the bricks & mortar one in town. I am also looking forward to having my stall at my upcoming NICU fundraising coffee morning (back by popular demand!) So anyone wanting to make some early Christmas purchases (sorry for mentioning the C-word!) can come along and browse. The cow print is proving to be popular and will be available in pencil case, purse and makeup pouch!

Saturday was a wonderfully hot summer day – I did keep inside out of the heat as I had to do some sewing and getting ready for my stall on Sunday (more below). In the evening we went with good friends to Thetford Forest to see Paloma Faith. We had a great time with a lovely picnic and fantastic music – and it was still so warm! Paloma was amazing as usual – I love her style as much as her music. Although knee-length white leather platform boots must have been a tad warm in that heat!

My 5-year-old son loves Paloma and had a ball! Here is a picture of me and him before she began (he is stuffing picnic into his mouth!) My dress is a little vintage number I found in a charity shop – it is made of terry towelling and the zip goes all the way to the bottom and I love it as it’s so cool and easy to wear! I might keep the style in mind to copy sometime in the future – maybe a red one?

Here is a rare family photo of the three of us – we all had a great time – thanks Paloma!

On Sunday, Mum & I had a stall at the Upper St Giles Street Party, part of the Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre.

I have blogged before about how lovely the Norwich Lanes are – and this is an annual event which is always really good fun. So I decided to have a stall. Even though it was quite pricey compared to what I’d normally pay to do a craft fair, I thought I’d give it a go. Having had such a hot day the day before, I made sure I packed my sunglasses, suncream and plenty of bottles of water to keep me cool and hydrated.

We arrived and leisurely set up the gazebo and laid out our stall. My bags and bits and my mum’s lovely jewellery. It did look good, and we were looking forward to a busy day!

As we finished, the heavens opened and there followed about 3 hours of pouring rain. Pools of water collected on the gazebo roof, a real torrent of water gushed down the gutters into the drain (in the middle of our stall!) – it was miserable and there were very few punters around. Oh dear, we thought, what a washout! Although my language was a bit more choice than that! We were pissed on and pissed off!

Well, at 2:30 the rain stopped, the sun came out and so did all the people! We had a lovely rest of the day. I’ve added a few photos to give you a flavour of the ambience – which once it got going, was a lovely best-of-British summer fair.

I sold quite a few things, so it was quite a successful day, although if the weather had been good throughout, I’m sure I would have doubled my takings! Oh well. On the plus side, I still have plenty of stock left for my next stalls – both this coming weekend. On Friday I will be at Kinsale Junior School where they’re having a pamper/shopping evening (5-8pm) and on Saturday at the Sprowston Family Fun Day. Hoping for sun all day and lots of customers – come and see me if you can! If you can’t, then remember you can always buy from my Etsy shop – I’ll be uploading new things soon! (once the sun gets out again for me to take photos!)

My challenge: One year - I will not buy clothes - I will upcycle to make what I need - everything from underwear to evening wear! Join me for tips, exclusive BrawHem makes, and inevitably some hilarious disasters...